Bill > HB489

This bill amends Section 26-23A-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which outlines the requirements for obtaining voluntary and informed consent for an abortion. The key change is that the mandatory waiting period between when a woman receives information about her abortion options and the procedure itself is extended from 24 hours to 48 hours, except in cases of medical emergency. This information must be provided in person or by certified mail, and if mailed, must also be provided again in person before the abortion. The bill also reiterates that the woman must be informed about the physician performing the procedure, the method, risks, and alternatives, the gestational age of the unborn child, and her right to view an ultrasound and videotape of the unborn child. Additionally, it clarifies the physician's obligation to provide care if the unborn child is born alive and emphasizes that a woman cannot be coerced into having an abortion. The woman must sign a form confirming she received this information and gave her informed consent, and the abortion facility must retain these signed forms and any ultrasound records for at least four years.